Drama Princesses draw soap viewers

MANILA, Philippines - Breakout roles given to rising stars have given birth to GMA 7’s shortlist of Drama Princesses, making the afternoon soap block of the Kapuso network equally thrilling as its primetime teleserye stretch.

The newly-crowned foursome comprises of two mestizas who have long been in circulation just waiting to shine big-time. The other two stars, given their potential, were viewed capable of stepping out from the shadow of their iconic dads.  

The quartet, namely, Jackie Rice, Bianca King, Maxene Magalona and Kylie Padilla, are now soap lead stars. Thanks to noteworthy projects provided them that enabled their acting ability and on-screen charisma to glitter in front of the boobtube.

Jackie, a familiar teleserye figure since becoming StarStruck 3’s Ultimate Female Survivor, found her biggest break to date with her role as Eden/Pearl de la Vida in the ongoing Sisid directed by Ricky Davao. The story revolves around a pearl called Perlante “that is believed to give wealth and comfort to anyone who’ll get it.” Jackie’s character (whose leading men are JC Tiuseco, Ian Batherson and Dominic Roco) is an expert diver. The fact that prior to Sisid’s taping run Jackie didn’t know how to swim as required is an indication of her work ethic to improve on her act and rise well above any challenge.

For Bianca, who was initially known for her kontrabida roles, it felt “just like starting over” as she finally starred in a soap, a suspense-drama at that, with its crime and correctional theme. Since it began airing last June, Sinner or Saint is a crowning glory for Bianca who revealed she cried while reading the heavy drama’s script.

With her role as Noemi Manansala, an innocent sent to prison after taking the blame on a crime her lover actually committed, she has won the hearts of televiewers with her portrayal. As a result, Bianca managed to carry a series also starring Dennis Trillo, Alessandra de Rossi and Polo Ravales, all known for their acting skills.

Of course, the Dramarama Sa Hapon of the Kapuso network turned out to be come-out parties, too, for Kylie and Maxene, both blessed to have come from prominent showbiz clans but somewhat pressured to deliver more than what’s expected of them.

Kylie, daughter of Robin Padilla, managed to deliver the goods early on with her laudable performance as Jessa Gonzales/Jessica Santiago in the remake of Elena M. Patron’s Blusang Itim. “My father told me acting should come naturally because it’s in my blood. That piece of advice is most important to me,” she shared in an interview.

Maxene, one of the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona’s now-in-showbiz kids, also earned critical nods for her take as Vivian, one of the “three hearts caught in a web of deceit and struggle for truth” in the surprise hit My Lover, My Wife. She currently appears in a new series titled Pahiram Ng Isang Ina opposite Carmina Villaroel, Bea Binene and Jake Vargas.

GMA 7 can only take pride in its latest batch of drama princesses who are performing above its expectations.